My big reasons I am pro-union is the discipline process and benefits. For example we have an agreement with management to allow SAPA reps into discipline meetings, but we all know that has not always worked out. We need a LEGAL contract that prevents them from ignoring those agreements. We need a discipline process spelled out, and options for appealing-- outside the company through the grievance and mediator. If the company chooses to disregard a contract, there are legal steps that can be taken. Management has already shown they are willing to ignore what I consider is a really important part of a SAPA agreement. Anyone who takes their word a this point has had way to much kool-aid.

I know a lot of guys are content to make SkyWest their final stop, but there are others (like me) who someday HOPE to make it to a major. I want to make sure someone other than a company funded pilots group with no legal teeth has my back. While ALPA may not prevent me from being dragged through the mud, they can hopefully defend me as opposed to defense management may see fit to deny. Anything that can help keep PRIA documents clean is a good thing. A legal contract helps.

I am also afraid of what else they can take. First our ESPP, now our medical benefits. What next? Maybe they'll take everyone's 401k match down to 2%, or eliminate it all together. At 90 days, I had a 4% match when I was a ramper. It will take me how long to get that at SkyWest? 7 years? It was a crummy IAM ramp contract, but one that provided double my current match.

I'm lucky, my fiance has great health benefits. There are a lot of people who need the SkyWest insurance for their families because their spouse does not work, or does not have very good benefits. What are they supposed to do? I stand in support of all the guys who could be really screwed by the new health plans.

Management is going to keep taking until we say enough already and stand up to them. If that means a union, I'm in. Anyone but teamsters. However if we have another union drive and it fails, it tells the company we have no spine and they can do whatever they want. We'd be screwed.